Technology Ireland, the Ibec group representing the technology industry, has welcomed the publication of the final version of Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Code.
The Code sets binding rules applying to video-sharing platforms that have their EU headquarters in Ireland.
The general obligations contained in the Code will apply from next month and platforms will have an implementation period for certain detailed provisions, which require IT build, to come into compliance.
Coimisiún na Meán will take a supervisory approach to enforcing the Code, ensuring that platforms implement appropriate systems to comply with the provisions of the Code
Technology Ireland provided the industry’s view during the consultation process on the development of the Code.
“We look forward to continued engagement with Coimisiún na Meán as a key stakeholder in the advancement of Ireland’s regulatory framework for promoting safety online,” said Technology Ireland director, Una Fitzpatrick.
She also advises “industry strongly supports a co-regulatory approach to achieve the protection of all users, including children and young people, from harmful online content.
“Our members are committed to working closely with regulators and civil society to address these evolving harms and to operating within a Code that reflects the intentions of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).
“Technology Ireland was vocal in calling for the full and timely transposition of the AVMSD as well as the Broadcasting Act 2009 as amended (the Act) by the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, which clearly defines the objectives which our sector must meet in order to achieve these goals.”